White Orchids: Worth the Wait

Three years. That’s how long I waited to try White Orchids Thai Cuisine in The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. Twice I made reservations, but both times I had to cancel. So I wasn’t really expecting to eat there last Thursday, even though my name was on the list. But, to my surprise and delight, the weather cooperated and everyone arrived on time. Everyone, except me. Even though we had the shortest distance to travel, my husband and I got stuck in traffic trying to make our way across Lehigh Valley. We arrived fifteen minutes late, while my sister, who came from Philadelphia, and my dad, who flew in from Chicago, got there early. Fortunately, White Orchids proved to be worth the wait.

I was impressed from the moment I walked through the door. The décor is modern with an Asian flair and it immediately invites you in. I knew we were off to a good start when I opened the drink menu and saw my favorite wine, Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, and my husband’s favorite beer, La Fin du Monde.

The dinner menu is designed to suit every palate with dishes that can be enhanced with fish, meat or vegetables and spice levels tailored to your tolerance. The only person who had trouble with the abundance of options was my dad, who, as usual, forgot his glasses. Luckily, our waitress had the perfect recommendation: Po Pia Tod (spring rolls) to start and Pad Gra' Prow (basil stir-fry) for his entrée.

The rest of us started with Tom Kah (Thai coconut soup). For my entrée, I ordered green curry with shrimp, served medium hot. Of course, my fork found its way over to my husband’s Crab Fried Rice and my sister’s Masaman Curry. Every dish was so rich with flavor that I’m already torn about what to order next time.

Even though I was full, I couldn’t pass up the fried ice cream dessert. Normally, I’d regret eating so much, but my only regret from White Orchids is that it took three years (and fifteen minutes) to finally get there.

This post was written by Lehigh Valley InSite guest blogger Erika Liodice, who also writes the Journeys and Beyond the Gray blogs.